Post-Game Talk (GBU): Phlyers edition

[joshjull]

The good

One game closer to this season being over.

The bad

But we still have a ways to go.

 

[Sabretooth]

Any word on why Hodgson was benched? Injured? After I read the Stars scout was at the game I thought Hodgson was their target. He played well for Ruff and Dallas lost half their offense to injuries.

I don't think he was benched per se. 4th line only had ~4min through the 2nd and I'd have to go back and check but I'm not sure they actually played at all in the 2nd. Probably because there was a lot of special teams play in the 2nd. Nolan did roll them back out for 3 shifts in the 3rd and of course they were the line on the ice when the go ahead goal was scored so I can't imagine that bodes well for hodgson and larsson being recognized by nolan for their strong play earlier in the game.

 

[RefsIdeas]

I like Mitchell as a bottom 6er, though I think he'd be better off at wing than center. The rest can go though.

Yeah, it's just insane that he's our 2C/3C. In my mind he's a marginal 4C/4LW.

I've been watching most of the games this year and it's really not hard to figure out why we're so bad. A good amount of players on our team have no place in the NHL/are fringe 4th liners or 7th dman.

Strachan
Benoit
Mez
Weber
Ellis
Kaleta
Flynn
McCormick
Mitchell

I also don't think we have any legit top line players playing right now. Evander Kane can be a 1LW, but he's out for the year. I think Moulson is a 2LW, Ennis is a 2/3 LW, Gionta is a 3RW, Stewart is a 2/3RW and Zemgus is a 2/3C.

On defense, I think Bogo can be a 1/2 RHD, Zadorov is probably a 2LHD, Risto a 1/2 RHD, Gorges is a 2LHD, Pysyk a 2/3RHD. Still leaves a legit top pairing LHD to be desired. Maybe Zadorov can get there, but that's a huge question mark.

I don't think either of our goalies are legit starter caliber. We don't have any real promising prospects there that are NHL ready either. We will need to sign 1-2 goalies in the offseason. Lindback might be the worst goalie in the NHL. Neuvirth is a solid number 2. BTW - check out Miller's numbers with our team last year - unreal.

I'm hoping that our lineup can look like this soon

Kane - McEichel - FA/Grigorenko??
Moulson - Reinhart - Hodgson/Ennis
Ennis/Hodgson - Girgensons - Foligno
Des - Larsson - Gionta

FA/Trade/Zadorov? - Bogosian/Risto
Zadorov - Risto/Bogosian
Gorges - Pysyk

FA Goalie
Neuvirth

 

[joshjull]

John Vogl ‏@BuffNewsVogl 12h12 hours ago
Sabres' Bogosian: "We have to play that intense style every night. There seems to be a lot of guys in here that are willing to do that."

 

[joshjull]

I don't think he was benched per se. 4th line only had ~4min through the 2nd and I'd have to go back and check but I'm not sure they actually played at all in the 2nd. Probably because there was a lot of special teams play in the 2nd. Nolan did roll them back out for 3 shifts in the 3rd and of course they were the line on the ice when the go ahead goal was scored so I can't imagine that bodes well for hodgson and larsson being recognized by nolan for their strong play earlier in the game.

Buffalo Sabres ‏@BuffaloSabres 13h13 hours ago
Nolan says Hodgson's play was better, and he hopes he keeps getting better & better as time goes on. #PHIvsBUF

Not sure if thats what you were hoping for.

 

[Sabretooth]

Buffalo Sabres ‏@BuffaloSabres 13h13 hours ago
Nolan says Hodgson's play was better, and he hopes he keeps getting better & better as time goes on. #PHIvsBUF

Not sure if thats what you were hoping for.

Hmm. Color me surprised.

 

[StlSwedes]

When my girlfriend, who has never followed hockey, can watch another game and comment on how much faster other teams look, you know it's really bad.

I live in St. Louis and watch the Blues regularly. Night and day difference. My wife says the same thing when I watch Sabres games.

Someday, we will be flying again!